Navigating Holiday Stress: Emotional Wellness Tips with Mike Veny

Mike Veny is a renowned mental health advocate and certified corporate wellness specialist who has profoundly influenced conversations on emotional wellness in both professional and personal spheres. He is celebrated for his transformative journey from a professional drummer dealing with his own mental health challenges to becoming an esteemed leader in mental health advocacy. Mike is the recipient of several accolades, including Corporate Livewire's 2022-2024 Innovation and Excellence Award, Acquisition International Magazine's 2025 Global Excellence Award, and the 2023 Leader of Mental Health Awareness Award from NAMI New York State. Additionally, he was recognized as one of the PM360 Elite 100 Most Influential People in the healthcare industry for his outstanding contributions to patient advocacy.

Episode Summary:

In this thought-provoking episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaze welcomes mental health advocate Mike Veny to discuss the complexities of emotional wellness during the holiday season. This episode dives deeply into why the holiday season can be emotionally challenging, with Mike offering insights into preparing for family gatherings, setting boundaries, and dealing with potential stressors.

During this conversation, Asheley and Mike explore the often-stressful dynamics of family interactions and how societal expectations can exacerbate personal pressure. Mike provides actionable strategies for managing mental health during the holiday season, emphasizing the power of saying no, setting realistic expectations, and preparing emotionally for challenging interactions. Listeners are encouraged to redefine holiday traditions and focus on personal well-being, supported by Mike's profound insights into grief and loneliness for those facing a tough holiday season.

Key Takeaways:

• The holiday season often carries emotional complexities due to societal pressures and family dynamics; setting realistic expectations can help manage these challenges.
• Preparing emotionally for family gatherings includes learning to say no confidently and practicing self-care through personal coping mechanisms.
• Mike suggests cultivating silence and stillness and addressing feelings through methods like scheduling time for grief.
• Redefining holiday traditions based on personal authentic needs can help individuals manage stress and enhance emotional wellness.

Notable Quotes:

• "The holidays are very stimulating… it's important to cultivate silence and stillness, making time to just pause and be still." - Mike Veny
• "We all carry stories with us… It's important to ask, how do I know this story to be true, or is this story authentic to me?" - Mike Veny
• "Boundaries don't push people away… but they protect the relationship." - Ashley Blaze

Resources:

• Mike Veny's Official Website
• Mike Veny Videos
• The Power of a Positive No by William Ury

Listeners are invited to explore the full episode to gain deeper insights into mastering emotional wellness during the holidays. Follow DSP Talk for more engaging discussions that tackle the heart of the human experience and personal growth.

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